The product manager at Ingersoll in Illinois pointed out an important and noteworthy result that the tool user began to pay attention to again with carbide cutters and drill bits on the cutter head. The cost and efficiency of these tools are between high speed steel tools and solid carbide tools.
The replaceable cutter head is generally threaded or directly attached to the rigid shank, so the life of the cutter head and the tool is different. Ingersoll has developed QwikTwist drills and ChipSurfer modular milling cutters with interchangeable drill collars. This replaceable cutter head can be directly replaced in the machine without disassembling the shank. Due to the high positioning accuracy and repeatability of the tool (axial and radial positioning accuracy of ±0.0127mm), no need is required. Re-adjust the offset of the tool, saving time.
In addition, it can reduce the total amount of inventory. When the solid carbide tool is reground, the shop needs to stock enough tools as a reserve for tool regrind. For a solid carbide drill, if the shop uses two drills at the same time, it may be necessary to stock six drill bits for regrind. This problem can be solved with a drill bit that can be replaced with a drill collar, in particular it also reduces the overall cost of the tool.
Since last year, tungsten prices have soared. Considering its own consumption, China has recently taken measures to reduce tungsten exports, making the situation even worse. According to a metal mining news media, China has 75% of the world's tungsten reserves, which can meet 85% of the world's tungsten consumption. The most affected by the rise in tungsten prices is the carbide tool products, which account for more than half of the total demand for tungsten. The rise in tungsten prices has caused tool suppliers to feel price pressures.